It's been 10 months now learing about commercial real estate. Here's what I know.
One - there are very few retailers or restaurants who are actively looking to open new stores. Some will tell you they are- and perhaps there is a shred of truth. If they can find landlords that are on their death bed - then maybe. If they can find AAA markets at B market prices - maybe. But otherwise - save your breath.
Two - there are landlords out there who think that their development is immune to the current roll back in lease rates. These landlords seem to think that just because they bought the dirt that makes it still work inflated rates. They take so long to come to reality when presented with an offer that the retailer who made it can find two others to take their place.
Three - banks care little. The financial institutions have some compasion but not much. They drive harder on the front end and they drive harder on the back end of the deal. They make the deal take longer, cost more and mean less by the time it gets done - if it does.
There is nothing much happening but everyone is busy rushing from call to call. Chance to chance. All the while hoping that their deal will work.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Retail Stablility
I just finished reading this weeks blog post of the Brazen Careerist by Penelope Trunk. She writes that the new coin of the realm is stability in our current economy. That you get stability by either creating it - or selling it.
That got me to thinking about retail stability. Is there such a thing and where would you look for it?
Setting aside that we could discuss the stability of say Target vs Eddie Bauer what I'm really thinking about is just what jobs in retail are stable? If I was growing my career what would I be pointed to?
Store management positions are very stable. Not too many companies are going to be able to open the doors, greet the customer and make a sale without it. No one argues that online has eaten into brick & mortar - but it's not going away anytime soon. So these jobs are golden.
Distribution? Yep - you have to move your inventory from point A to point B. So gaining experience and moving up in a distribution pyramid will keep you stable for a long time.
Buying? Yes - but perhaps not as much since systems allow more to be done with less people and the developmental positions or Asst Buyer, Product Mgr, etc will be challenged to be cut back.
So what's not so stable? Marketing, Human Resources, Training, Operational Support, etc. These groups are there to add depth to the company, resources to improve, critical evaluations of process and in short make the most of a good thing. In this economy it's all about holding on till the bottom is felt and the upswing begins. Until then it's best - and most stable to be developing your career in the meat and potatoes of the business.
That got me to thinking about retail stability. Is there such a thing and where would you look for it?
Setting aside that we could discuss the stability of say Target vs Eddie Bauer what I'm really thinking about is just what jobs in retail are stable? If I was growing my career what would I be pointed to?
Store management positions are very stable. Not too many companies are going to be able to open the doors, greet the customer and make a sale without it. No one argues that online has eaten into brick & mortar - but it's not going away anytime soon. So these jobs are golden.
Distribution? Yep - you have to move your inventory from point A to point B. So gaining experience and moving up in a distribution pyramid will keep you stable for a long time.
Buying? Yes - but perhaps not as much since systems allow more to be done with less people and the developmental positions or Asst Buyer, Product Mgr, etc will be challenged to be cut back.
So what's not so stable? Marketing, Human Resources, Training, Operational Support, etc. These groups are there to add depth to the company, resources to improve, critical evaluations of process and in short make the most of a good thing. In this economy it's all about holding on till the bottom is felt and the upswing begins. Until then it's best - and most stable to be developing your career in the meat and potatoes of the business.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The premise is that today there are more people unemployed and for the first time in their lives have to look for a job.
If you consider that until this economy most job changers already knew where their next job was going to be when they left their last job then there are generations of people who are struggling with how to go about finding a job. Losing your Job is traumatic. How do you get through it, pick yourself up, organize yourself and get to work finding your next position.
There are generations of people that have never had to look for a job. That's why Kerry Kelly, an industry leading recruiter for over a decade and Dave Uhlman, Co-Founder of CPointe Associates, have created a brand new, interactive and engaging 120-minute WebCast Seminar, “Shape Your Next Career®.
If you are one of the generations out there who has not ever had to look for your next position – then this seminar is a must. Has it been years or several job changes since you didn't know what your next position was going to be? Then you need to invest in yourself! Whether you are 25 or 55 don't assume you know how to mentally, emotionally, physically or organizationally are skilled at SYNCing up your career
SYNC is the real deal and you can find out more by clicking here.
If you consider that until this economy most job changers already knew where their next job was going to be when they left their last job then there are generations of people who are struggling with how to go about finding a job. Losing your Job is traumatic. How do you get through it, pick yourself up, organize yourself and get to work finding your next position.
There are generations of people that have never had to look for a job. That's why Kerry Kelly, an industry leading recruiter for over a decade and Dave Uhlman, Co-Founder of CPointe Associates, have created a brand new, interactive and engaging 120-minute WebCast Seminar, “Shape Your Next Career®.
If you are one of the generations out there who has not ever had to look for your next position – then this seminar is a must. Has it been years or several job changes since you didn't know what your next position was going to be? Then you need to invest in yourself! Whether you are 25 or 55 don't assume you know how to mentally, emotionally, physically or organizationally are skilled at SYNCing up your career
SYNC is the real deal and you can find out more by clicking here.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Just a Follow Up
Our last post talked about innovating with Cisco's TelePresence system. Looks like a couple big hotel players - Marriott and Starwood - are already thinking along the same lines. Take a look at the articles.
Marriott: http://tinyurl.com/lyvuz9
Starwood: http://tinyurl.com/nuu9yh
Seems like these two players will have the chance to drive new revenue streams into their hotels for all kinds of things. Stay tuned!
Marriott: http://tinyurl.com/lyvuz9
Starwood: http://tinyurl.com/nuu9yh
Seems like these two players will have the chance to drive new revenue streams into their hotels for all kinds of things. Stay tuned!
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